The prize is 500 party pounds (I’ve since realised that I’d do nearly anything for £500) so I entered. Took a call from Ian at JACK FM earlier in the week to say I’d made it into the draw. Got another call this morning to say I’d made it through to the final round and now have to compete against some chap called Ben for those glorious guineas! Bring it Ben, is all I am saying.

The challenge itself: to cart a 7ft tall cardboard cut-out meerkat around Bristol, getting our picture taken at as many places as possible on a pre-determined list. This list includes places like public transport, in the dock at Bristol Crown Court, in a police cell, and naked. There are some easy hits on the list too, so don’t panic, it’s not the impossible task! I’m warned that there may also be other random challenges set during the week. But by and large, each place has a point score, and whoever gets the most points wins the money.

I have to provide photos as proof, and check in with the radio team every morning at about 8.20 to update them on our progress.

Day 1: I went to collect my meerkat, who I have named Manny in tribute to Bill Bailey’s character in Black Books, from the JACK FM building in Ashton Gate. A mission in itself just to find the building, I should get points for that alone! It took me to my least favourite bit of road in Bristol, and exactly the same thing happened to me on foot as does in a car – I got horribly lost, ended up on the wrong side to where I wanted to be, and heading in the direction of the Long Ashton Bypass! Only on foot, I was in heels, it was raining and I was on the clock. I could tell already that this was the beginning of a frustrating but exciting adventure.

I met the JACK FM team finally and picked up Manny. Had a quick snap and then off we ventured into the wilderness. I gave him concusion trying to squeeze him into their lift, I had to do some sweet-talking to get him to forgive me, not a great start. We walked along Ashton Road to many a smile and wave from people on the street and from their cars, and boarded the number 25 to head back to the centre.

Manny was drenched by the time we got back to the office, but we gave him a few cuddles and a cup of tea and after having his photo taken a few times he was beginning to enjoy the experience.

I’m taking him out on the lash tonight, so if you see us around, do come and say hello, have your picture taken and maybe buy Manny a drink. He would really appreciate it!